skip to main content
US FlagAn official website of the United States government
dot gov icon
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
https lock icon
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Title: High‐fidelity Recognition of Organotrifluoroborate Anions (R−BF 3 − ) as Designer Guest Molecules
Abstract The recognition of boron compounds is well developed as boronic acids but untapped as organotrifluoroborate anions (R−BF3). We are exploring the development of these and other designer anions as anion‐recognition motifs by considering them as substituted versions of the parent inorganic ion. To this end, we demonstrate strong and reliable binding of organic trifluoroborates, R−BF3, by cyanostar macrocycles that are size‐complementary to the inorganic BF4progenitors. We find that recognition is modulated by the substituent's sterics and that the affinities are retained using the common K+salts of R−BF3anions.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2102583 2105848 1834750
PAR ID:
10377258
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Chemistry – A European Journal
Volume:
28
Issue:
60
ISSN:
0947-6539
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. Abstract A novelC3symmetric 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol‐based Schiff base (R,R,R)‐6has been synthesized which shows highly selective fluorescence enhancement with Zn2+among 21 metal cations examined. Its sensitivity and selectivity are found to be greater than other relatedC2(1) andC1[(R)‐9] symmetric compounds in the fluorescent recognition of Zn2+. The mechanistic study reveals that the selective fluorescence enhancement of the probe can be attributed to the formation of a unimolecular multidentate 6‐coordinated Zn2+complex. 
    more » « less
  2. ChemPhysChem (Ed.)
    Abstract Molecular clusters can function as nanoscale atoms/superatoms, assembling into superatomic solids, a new class of solid‐state materials with designable properties through modifications on superatoms. To explore possibilities on diversifying building blocks, here we thoroughly studied one representative superatom, Co6Se8(PEt3)6. We probed its structural, electronic, and magnetic properties and revealed its detailed electronic structure as valence electrons delocalize over inorganic [Co6Se8] core while ligands function as an insulated shell.59Co SSNMR measurements on the core and31P,13C on the ligands show that the neutral Co6Se8(PEt3)6is diamagnetic and symmetric, with all ligands magnetically equivalent. Quantum computations cross‐validate NMR results and reveal degenerate delocalized HOMO orbitals, indicating aromaticity. Ligand substitution keeps the inorganic core nearly intact. After losing one electron, the unpaired electron in [Co6Se8(PEt3)6]+1is delocalized, causing paramagnetism and a delocalized electron spin. Notably, this feature of electron/spin delocalization over a large cluster is attractive for special single‐electron devices. 
    more » « less
  3. Abstract A dual‐layer interphase that consists of an in‐situ‐formed lithium carboxylate organic layer and a thin BF3‐doped monolayer Ti3C2MXene on Li metal is reported. The honeycomb‐structured organic layer increases the wetting of electrolyte, leading to a thin solid electrolyte interface (SEI). While the BF3‐doped monolayer MXene provides abundant active sites for lithium homogeneous nucleation and growth, resulting in about 50% reduced thickness of inorganic‐rich components among the SEI layer. A low overpotential of less than 30 mV over 1000 h cycling in symmetric cells is received. The functional BF3 groups, along with the excellent electronic conductivity and smooth surface of the MXene, greatly reduce the lithium plating/stripping energy barrier, enabling a dendrite‐free lithium‐metal anode. The battery with this dual‐layer coated lithium metal as the anode displays greatly improved electrochemical performance. A high capacity‐retention of 175.4 mAh g−1at 1.0 C is achieved after 350 cycles. In a pouch cell with a capacity of 475 mAh, the battery still exhibits a high discharge capacity of 165.6 mAh g−1with a capacity retention of 90.2% after 200 cycles. In contrast to the fast capacity decay of pure Li metal, the battery using NCA as the cathode also displays excellent capacity retention in both coin and pouch cells. The dual‐layer modified surface provides an effective approach in stabilizing the Li‐metal anode. 
    more » « less
  4. Abstract Nanothermometry is the study of temperature at the submicron scale with a broad range of potential applications, such as cellular studies or electronics. Molecular luminescent‐based nanothermometers offer a non‐contact means to record these temperatures with high spatial resolution and thermal sensitivity. A luminescent‐based molecular thermometer comprised of visible‐emitting Ga3+/Tb3+and Ga3+/Sm3+metallacrowns (MCs) achieved remarkable relative thermal sensitivity associated with very low temperature uncertainty ofSr=1.9 % K−1andδT<0.045 K, respectively, at 328 K, as an aqueous suspension of polystyrene nanobeads loaded with the corresponding MCs. To date, they are the ratiometric molecular nanothermometers offering the highest level of sensitivity in the physiologically relevant temperature range. 
    more » « less
  5. Abstract As appreciation for nonclassical hydrogen bonds has progressively increased, so have efforts to characterize these interesting interactions. Whereas several kinds of C−H hydrogen bonds have been well‐studied, much less is known about the R3N+−C−H⋅⋅⋅X variety. Herein, we present crystallographic and spectroscopic evidence for the existence of these interactions, with special relevance to Selectfluor chemistry. Of particular note is the propensity for Lewis bases to engage in nonclassical hydrogen bonding over halogen bonding with the electrophilic F atom of Selectfluor. Further, the first examples of1H NMR experiments detailing R3N+−C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, N) hydrogen bonds are described. 
    more » « less